John “JR” Robinson is a Product Manager at Eastwood Company with more than 25 years experience in the automotive aftermarket arena. His special expertise includes chemicals, paints, powder coating, painting equipment, rust removal and auto body repair. Any auto enthusiast who has ever been in an auto parts store has probably seen JR’s work.

JR’s chemical and automotive background has brought new Eastwood products to market including, 2K Ceramic Chassis Black, Hi-Temp Ceramic Engine Paints and Hi-Temp Caliper Paints which he developed using the latest ceramic nano-technology integrated with silicone alkyds, the new standard hi-temp coatings.

He also created both the aerosol and single component Rust Converters which auto enthusiasts use to remove rust from hard to reach areas like floor pans and engine compartments. Furthermore, he designed the Concours Paint Gun for the home hobbyist, which is compatible with most home shop compressors and can be used with both solvent and waterborne coatings.

JR has worked in the automotive aftermarket industry in some capacity since he was 16 years old. Formerly he created body and automotive fastener programs for major aftermarket manufacturer. He managed & developed products for a high performance header and exhaust manufacturer and brought numerous products to market for a leading chemical/aerosol manufacturer.

JR has won numerous awards including the NMMA Innovative New Product of the Year Award and the SEMA/ARMO New Restoration Product of the Year Award.

JR’s passion and expertise is in restoration, owning more than 40 cars and motorcycles. Among the many he has worked on, he has rebuilt a 1972 Mercury Capri, a 1968 Pontiac GTO, a 1984 Hurst Olds and a 1978 Monte Carlo. He has restored a 1978 Ford Bronco and designed a 2005 Chopper that Orange County Choppers built to his specifications.

Of all the cars he has built, the most difficult and yet his favorite restoration project was a 1967 Chevelle Convertible Malibu. The restoration of this classic car took over a 13 year period, needing major repair and revival for a second time after it was destroyed in a flood in 2001.

JR enjoys racing his classic cars, especially his 1968 Pontiac GTO and 1973 Dodge Scamp, which he and a friend are presently racing. He is also currently building a 1974 Mercury Capri and has just picked up a 1978 L82 Corvette.

Besides his extensive hands-on experience, JR has an Associates Degree in Business Administration, a Product Management Certificate from the University of Wisconsin, was the class champion at the Skip Barber Racing School, has been trained as a firefighter and has attended 16 SEMA/AAPREX shows.

JR’s other major interests includes “kids stuff” with his active 7 and 10 year old daughters, traveling, fishing, sporting events, drag racing and home projects.

JR and classic cars have had a lifetime relationship and is right at home at Eastwood.

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